Misinterpreted Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11

“Plans to prosper you…” — Jeremiah 29:11

One of the most famous verses on cards, notes for graduates, and overall encouragement for a hopeful future is Jeremiah 29:11. The full verse reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It sounds like a great verse to help people feel better about their future. That God is on their side and he has nothing but good plans for everyone and that if we follow that plan all will be good. But what is this verse really saying? Let’s find out. 

What’s interesting to note about this verse is that it is actually part of a letter that God had Jeremiah write to the exiles in Babylon. Jerusalem was taken over by Babylon and the inhabitants of Jerusalem were exiled into captivity in Babylon. They really weren’t sure what was going to happen next, so God had Jeremiah write a letter to instruct and guide them. The beginning of the letter may have come as a negative surprise. Instead of God telling the survivors “everything will be ok, I will rescue you”, he tells them to settle in the places they are because they will be here for a while. He tells them to make the best of their situation and kindness to their captors will lead to blessings where they are. There were others at the time spreading false hope that God would rescue them. God tells the exiles not to believe them, he will restore them to the land when their time is up. Since our main verse is v.11, let’s look at v.10. God says it will be 70 years until God comes to restore them to their home in Jerusalem. Many of them would not live to see the day, but that was the consequence for their sin. It wouldn’t be 40, or 50 or even 68 years, 70 years and then God would restore them. Then we have our famous verse. 

What is God’s plan for Israel? After the 70 years of exile, God has plans for the remnant and they are good plans. They are plans of hope and prosperous blessings when they return to the land. They will have a future in their homeland and not in captivity. But what’s even more important than this is v.12. 

When the 70 years are complete and they remember God’s good plan for them, they will call on him to help them and he will return them. God says when they seek him, he will find them and restore them. The promise of a hopeful future leads to the action of calling on God and relying on Him for help. 

The application for today is paramount. This verse was not something they just remembered and thought about. This verse about a hopeful future was meant to prompt them to action, to call upon God and to pray to Him. That is what it does for us today. It should lead us to action, to prayer, and to hope. It is a reminder that we have a God that is in control but that we also need to call upon Him and pray to him in our hour of need.